Shabu Shabu with Vikas Manaktala at Hai Bao

Check the slideshow above Wondering what Shabu Shabu is? You will soon know as that’s what I indulged in with our fave anti-hero Vikas Manaktala aka Aditya of Main Naa Bhoolungi (Sony Entertainment Television), at Krishna Tamang’s (of China Gate hospitality fame) spanking new oriental restaurant Hai Bao sea treasures opposite Juhu beach. Dressed smartly in semi-formals, I spotted the suave actor alight from his sleek C2K Mercedes and walk stylishly into the vibrant and welcoming restaurant. Hai Bao is on two levels with the upper level which we opted for, offering a panoramic view of what goes on below. The entire restaurant is attractive and captivating emitting positive energy with colorful faux floral decoration, Chinese paper lanterns, expensive crystal figures in niches, scriptures on wooden plaques and drapes in sheer material. I had a lot of queries: Sometime back the entertainment supplement of a newspaper reported that Vikas was creating problems by coming late for shoots, that his co-actors were contemplating quitting the show because of him and a lot of negative things about him, insinuating the reason for his hiatus from the television industry was due to his off-handed behaviour and attitude. Contrary to the negative reports, when I had earlier met him at Tellychakkar.com’s 9th anniversary bash, he came across as a charming and courteous person which prompted me to invite him for a dinner date. “I am shooting almost every day but will let you know when I am likely to get an off,” consented the busy actor accepting my invite. The newly opened oriental restaurant was picked by me. As the friendly Sr. Restaurant Manager Leo Pinto took care of our vegetarian palate with Hai Bao’s specialty starters like Cabbage Roll with garlic crumb, crunchy Radish Cake, Indo-Chinese appetizer Steam Veg Kothe, Lotus Paste Bun (Chinese pastry filled with sweet lotus paste), “Actually I do not wish to react to this negative reporting,” said Vikas who reads books on spirituality, but after prodding he finally got ready to clear the air, “As for my hiatus from the industry, I did not want to do formula shows. A lot of films came my way but none that would take me a step further.” After his grandfather whom he worships passed away, he took a sabbatical. “I stay in my own zone and do not talk much. If that is misinterpreted as throwing your attitude, I can’t help.” On his late-coming: “Yash Patnaik (producer of the show) is family to me. You can ask anybody on the sets, if I have ever reported late on the sets. In fact recently I shot continuously for 22 hours, bathed and changed on the sets. I enjoy working.” About his rapport with his female co-actors: “I believe in ‘Impress the Creator, not the creations!’ The best things are His creations, so how can I not respect his creations? I get dabba from home and can only say we all eat together. What more!” Eating reminds me of our amazing dinner at Hai Bao. Presentation of the dishes floored us, not to forget their fantastic taste and flavour. The restaurant is the first to introduce the Japanese hot pot concept of Shabu Shabu – there is a pot with a glass lid embedded on the table; water is poured with spices and electric heat is switched on making it boil many times more than normal. Slices of your choice of veggies or meat are cooked in this broth and we had ours with Stir Fried homemade noodles and Jasmine Butter Garlic fried rice. Vikas was also impressed with the live grill on our table where our selection of baby corn, zucchini, bell peppers were grilled and served. Quite knowledgeable of global cuisine, the debonair actor asked for wasabi sauce and also revealed he would visit the place to try its seafood specialties (he was a vegetarian that day in observance of Navratra). Giving in to sweet temptations, Tender Coconut Malai (frozen) and Chocolate Roll with ice cream was relished by us. Vikas concluded by saying, “The Media plays an important role in our lives and is like that unsaid friend whom you speak to early in the morning and trusts what he/she has to say. I would request some of the journalists to please be that responsible and good friend whom one can trust and not feel betrayed by. I wish that some journalists do their job more honestly. I don't wish to get back on anyone or have any malice or anger towards anyone for writing false about me but just would request for the sake of humanity to be focusing on spreading happiness.” I totally agree with him when he says, “Happiness begets happiness!” We have to give a fair chance to this wonderful person! Rapid Fire Qs with Vikas Manaktala: Foodie….. Fave cuisine…. junk food…. Sweet dish I love rajma chawal cooked by my mother. My fav sweet dish is my mother's preparation of gajar ka halwa. Can you cook? Yes, but I don't have the patience to cook so I don't. Reality shows you would like to do… Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Co-anchor Satyamev Jayate with Aamir Khan. Single or dating? No comments! Your oft used pick-up line… I find pick up lines too cheesy so don't use them. Success to you is... Having Filmfare’s Black Lady in one hand and Oscar Award in another. And celebrating with all the people who have been happily part of the same journey. (Hope that includes me Vikas!) Dream destination... I really want to visit Mont Blanc when I get a chance to go to Cannes Film Festival. Pet peeve (s)… Hypocrisy, dishonesty and thanklessness. High point of your life… Seeing the love and appreciation from everyone once again even after coming back to TV after five years. Low point of your life When I lost my God, my grandfather. You trust…. My parents and my sisters. Marriage to you is… Commitment and responsibility of your partner's happiness and comfort. (Unlike his character Aditya who tried to kill wife Shikha) You are possessive about… (thing/person) Nothing. If not an actor? Hmmm!! I think still an actor. I guess a soccer player. A character you would have loved to enact (TV show or film)… Films- Role of Othello in Oliver Parker's Othello Role of Howard Hughes played by Leonardo Di Caprio in Aviator, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Devdas in Devdas, Mr Kane in Citizen Kane. I can go on and on. TV- Ryan in O.C., Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl, Charlie in Two and a Half Men, Dexter in Dexter etc. Fitness mantra… Eat good food- No junk, no fries, very less sugar and less salt and drink enough water. Dishes you relished at Hai Bao... Sauteed veggies and soup in Shabu Shabu. I have to go there again to try non-veg. Something no one knows about you… That I am scared of marrying.